This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
As I reflect on the internet's impact on our lives, I am reminded of the old adage, 'if you have the world on a string, it's pretty certain that the world has you on a string back.'
Early adopters of the internet, like Netscape and Geocities, knew the value of hard work and friendly banter. But with the rise of corporate giants like Facebook, the internet has become a double-edged sword. Mark Zuckerberg's plan to provide 'free internet' to India, with a catch, is a prime example of this.
Fast forward to Tanzania, where Facebook often comes with 'free' minutes with any data bundle. But beneath the surface, a more sinister plot is unfolding. Citizens are being registered and monitored online, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance.
China's social credit system, which uses surveillance and facial recognition to control its citizens, is a chilling example of what could happen if we don't take action. And with elections on the horizon, the threat of electronic voting looms large.
As someone who loves technology and the internet, I am compelled to sound the alarm. The internet is not as free as we think, and it's time we take a closer look at the consequences of our online actions.
Published on December 16, 2019 by Elsie Eyakuze.
